An NGO named Foodwatch has identified ten protein-rich food products that are actually classified as "ultra-processed," according to an investigation released on Tuesday, September 22. The organization is raising concerns about the health risks associated with consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods, despite their increasing presence on supermarket shelves. These products, which include items like cereals, yogurts, and cheeses, often contain ingredients such as modified starches, gellan gum, glucose syrup, and additives like carrageenans or intense sweeteners like ace-sulfame-K. These ingredients are commonly used to improve texture, flavor, and shelf life in processed foods. The European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) recently stated that ace-sulfame-K, an artificial sweetener, does not pose safety concerns when used at currently reported levels, according to an opinion issued on September 10. However, this conclusion has been criticized by several NGOs, including those reported on by RTL, a French news channel. Carrageenans (E407), a type of additive used as a thickener and gelling agent, are also found in many of the products highlighted by Foodwatch. Meanwhile, some emulsifiers used in ultra-processed foods have been linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, according to a 2024 study by French researchers from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). Several of the products identified in Foodwatch’s investigation, including the Chocolate Mocha Protein Drink from Starbucks, contain ace-sulfame-K and carrageenans—ingredients that have been the subject of multiple studies examining their potential health risks. The NGO also points out that the Soja protein drink from Alpro, which is part of the Danone group, includes potassium phosphates, an additive that has sparked health-related concerns. Additionally, a Carrefour salad labeled "penne complete, roasted chicken, emmental, almonds High Protein" contains potassium disulfite (E224), an additive flagged as potentially dangerous in two studies published in January 2026 and reported on by Inserm. Foodwatch warns that some of these products are high in sugar, including the Protein chocolate & cranberries bars from Nature Valley, the Lion Protein cereals from Nestlé, and the chocolate protein milk from Lactel. The NGO is calling for mandatory front-of-package labeling to indicate whether a product is ultra-processed, in addition to the Nutri-Score system currently used in France. Foodwatch argues that products with high Nutri-Scores are not always more expensive, as shown by a study from Santé publique France and Inrae. Léa Redon, a campaign manager at Foodwatch, notes that these products are priced higher due to their increased protein content, which she describes as a "double punishment for our health and our wallet."